Mitchell A. Chester, Esq. is a civil trial lawyer
practicing in Southeastern Florida. He is a member of the American Board of
Trial Advocates and is an AV rated attorney. In practice for over 37 years,
he is deeply concerned about developing legal, social, housing and monetary
adaptation and retreat solutions for communities threatened by swelling oceans
due to sea level rise (SLR). Mr. Chester is editor of RaisingFields.org
(how agriculture can adapt to sea level rise and increased heat), SLRAmerica.org
(which explores legal and practical financial issues pertaining to sea level
rise), FinancialAdaptation.org (monetary tools for sea level
rise),Sea Level Rise Radio.com (a podcast which discusses topics to examine
key societal issue sand opportunities presented by encroaching waters), AdaptationActionAreas.com
(explaining special sea level rise zones in Florida) and MySeaLevelRise.org
(SLR issues). His focus is on people, including homeowners, renters, business
owners and agricultural interests as we jointly prepare for altered coastlines.
He is one of the directors of the CLEO Institute, which educates
government leaders, students and the public about societal impacts of SLR and
climate change. Mr. Chester has presented at the University of Miami, Florida
Atlantic University, Miami-Dade College, Barry University, Nova Southeastern
University, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for
the Everglades, the Environmental Coalition for Miami and the Beaches, the Coral
Gables Museum, the Florida Bar Environmental Law Section and other venues. He
is a contributor to TheNatureOfCities.com and writes on SLR issues for that
international forum. In January, 2016, he was named Trial Lawyer of the Year
by the Fort Lauderdale ABOTA Chapter. Mitch was involved in advocacy for the
re-design Interstate 595 to prevent the double decking of that major roadway
due to safety and environmental concerns and has advocated for affordable housing
in Court actions, post-earthquake Haiti and in the Town of Davie.